Even the highest mountain areas, today considered inhospitable and rugged terrain, were inhabited intensely following the most recent ice age. These are the findings of research carried out since 2000 at the National Park of Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici by a team of researchers from the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona and the County Council of Pallars Sobirà .

If we are to have manned, long-term space missions, we must be able to maintain a breathable atmosphere, produce food and treat the waste generated by astronauts. Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona participates in a project organised by the European Space Agency for the development of a life-support system for future manned missions.

Computers are able to detect and identify objects. This is known as artificial vision, and has many applications in industry. Researchers at the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona are developing an artificial vision system that will make manufacturing wine corks easier.

Biobanks are science facilities where human tissue is stored to be studied. Over the past few years, they have become a vital tool for teaching and research. Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona has set up its DNA Repair Biobank, the first cell and DNA bank containing samples from patients with genetic diseases.

Master lecture by Estela Barnes de Carlotto, President of the Argentinian association "Abuelas de la Plaza de Mayo" and President of the Argentinian Committee for Monitoring the International Convention on the Rights of the Child, upon receiving her honorary doctorate from the UAB.